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Audio Research Ref. 3, Ref. 5, or the Ref. 5se.

I am looking to add a Audio Research preamp. Looking at the Ref. 3,5,5se. The 5se is a bit high in price.

I have a Wadia S7i CDP up front with Pass Labs XA100.8 amps. I am using Vandersteen Quarto Wood CT speakers. Witch Audio Research would make the best sense to go with.


Thanks for the help Russ.

russb
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
2,164 posts
 
maybe they were stunted giants Taters.....
Hansen <Ayre> has some interesting things to say about the sonics of skipping the pre but he sells a few preamps.
Best sound I have heard from a Wadia ( which was incredible BTW) was thru a CJ GAT.....
what does your trusted Vandy dealer say Russ ?


russb OP
91 posts
 

I just asked him that question today and he is a firm believer in having a preamp.(tube). He use to be a ARS Dealer.
 He is know a VTL dealer. He wants to sell me a VTL 5.5. I would rather go with a ARS product used.


Russ

taters
1,149 posts
 
Do you mean ARC?

jafant's avatar
jafant
10,525 posts
 
Nice russ-

I would like to demo the VTL someday...
bifwynne
2,069 posts
 
Wlutke ... as a former owner of the Ref 3, let me go on record that I think and always thought it was a terrific linestage ... no qualifications.  I think the Ref 3 **IS** a bargain and it still holds its value on the preowned market.  There are (were) a couple of Ref 3s for sale on A'gon in the $5K range and they are, as stated, holding their value.      
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